Released 31/07/2018
ACT Health has implemented a range of recommendations following the recent accreditation process that will lead to better health outcomes and an improved culture within Canberra’s largest health organisation.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris praised the work undertaken by ACT Health over the past few months and said the reaccreditation of Canberra Hospital and Health Services was a testament to the great work of all staff and the leadership team.
“It was clear earlier this year that ACT Health was struggling with the current governance structure. There was a lack of clear accountability guidelines and concerns about culture.
“However through the accreditation process, these issues have been clearly addressed, and the surveyors found an entirely different story earlier this month during the Advanced Completion survey.
“Earlier this month the surveyors observed ACT Health as an organisation of cohesion and teamwork, focused on what is best for the patient, achieving great outcomes for all Canberrans.
“The changes implemented by ACT Health during accreditation will go a long way to addressing issues around culture and governance within ACT Health, and I look forward to seeing that good work continue into the future.
“Canberrans can be confident in the health services and staff that are dedicated to the delivery of healthcare in our community.”
Minister Fitzharris said the final draft accreditation report was now with the ACT Government for final comment, and it was evident a lot has changed in the directorate.
“All recommendations from the initial report have been implemented, and some of the comments include:
- Over the past few months the organisation has changed dramatically implementing sustainable systems and processes that provide direction and strong governance from both a corporate and clinical governance perspective.
- The surveyors would like to acknowledge the extensive work done by the staff across ACT Health plus the leadership to achieve this result. They demonstrate commitment and focus to drive sustainable positive change in the culture of the organisation. They have moved from a fragmented divided organisation to one of cohesion, teamwork, focused on what is best for the patient and the organisation to achieve great outcomes for all Canberrans.
- The Corporate and Clinical Governance Frameworks and supporting documents have provided staff at all levels and designations, clear direction and accountabilities around their role in safety and quality.
- The ACT Health leadership team are clear of the direction, their own roles and responsibilities and the expectations of the organisation. People are being held accountable but they are also recognised at all levels by the Director General with a personalized phone call to acknowledge and thank them for their work. This has been very powerful in assisting with cultural change.
- There is also a New Workforce Strategy under development which will include details of the workforce accountabilities and responsibilities in Safety, Quality and Risk. There has been targeted education to ensure staff are aware of their roles in this new environment.
“Staff culture within an organisation of more than 7,000 people is not something you can change overnight.
“But it’s clear that through the accreditation process, and as we move to split ACT Health into two organisations, we are making vast improvements to the way staff can raise issues, how they can work more collaboratively to get the best outcomes for patients and ensure ACT Health is a great place to work,” said Minister Fitzharris.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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